The Causes of Panic Attacks

Approximately 6 million Americans over the age of 18 suffer with panic attacks. That is 2.7% of the population. In reality this figure may be much higher because some individuals suffer silently, choosing not to seek help. Panic attacks seem to come from nowhere. There are basically three types of panic attacks: *Unexpected; these panic attacks occur completely without warning or any anticipation that the attack may occur. *Situational; this term describes panic attacks that one can anticipate because the attack is related to a particular situation or event, for example, a person may experience a panic attack when crossing a bridge. *Situationally predisposed; this refers to panic attacks that are likely to happen in a particular situation but does not always occur during that event. The average onset happens at about 25 years of age but panic disorders can occur at any stage of life. They are often triggered by some extremely stressful event. Panic disorder has been found to run in families, so if you have a close relative that suffers your chances of being predisposed to the disorder are higher. Even a family history of anxiety or depression can increase the likelihood of panic attacks. The initial panic attack typically begins suddenly, without warning. The individual may be in an everyday situation performing regular tasks or he/she may be in a unique situation when the first panic attack presents itself. Panic attacks usually peak within 10 minutes and last no more than 20 to 30 minutes. The individual is likely to feel exhausted and fatigued after an attack. The sufferer usually complains of extreme fear of another attack at a problematic time or place. Women are more likely than men to develop the disorder. About one in three panic attack sufferers will also develop agoraphobia. When suffering with agoraphobia the individual often finds that home is the safety zone and therefore will spend more and more time there. This can result in closing oneself off from friends, family, and the outside world in general. Fifty to sixty percent of panic attack sufferers also suffer from depression. As mentioned, one in three sufferers will develop agoraphobia and this disorder adds to the likelihood of the development of depression. The typical symptoms of a panic attack include the following: *Rapid heart-rate *Sweating *Trembling *Shortness of breath *Hyperventilation *Chills *Hot flashes *Nausea *Abdominal cramps *Chest pain *Headaches *Dizziness *Trouble swallowing *Sense of impending death *Intense fear or dread The sufferer may experience one or many of those during an attack. The good news is that there is help for this disorder. Some sufferers find that medications are effective and others require a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Increasingly more people are finding that natural treatments can be effective.

About the Author

To learn more about panic attacks and other topics of interest to women of all ages visit: http://www.FitInsidenOut.com/gpage28.html Debbie Allen is a writer, internet marketer and personal coach.